Quick release solenoid assembly

ABSTRACT

A retaining system for a solenoid assembly of a liquid adhesive dispensing system includes a quick-release mechanism configured to secure the solenoid assembly in place. The quick-release mechanism engages an air tube of the solenoid and thereby secures the entire solenoid assembly to a manifold. The quick-release mechanism can release the solenoid, facilitating easy removal of the entire solenoid assembly, by a simple turning, pushing, or pulling action on the quick-release mechanism. The released solenoid can then be removed and replaced, thereby minimizing downtime caused due to the replacement of a faulty solenoid.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/521,815 filed Apr. 25, 2017 for “QUICK RELEASE SOLENOID ASSEMBLY” byP. R. Quam, M. R. Theisen and P. R. Haffley, and claims priority toInternational Application No. PCT/US2015/57383 filed Oct. 26, 2015 for“QUICK RELEASE SOLENOID ASSEMBLY” by P. R. Quam, M. R. Theisen and P. R.Haffley and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/069,088 filed Oct.27, 2014, and entitled “QUICK REPLACE HOTMELT SOLENOID ASSEMBLY,” thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to systems for dispensingliquid adhesive. More particularly, the present disclosure relates tothe retaining system for solenoid assemblies used to actuate dispensingmodules.

Hot melt dispensing systems are typically used in manufacturing assemblylines to automatically disperse an adhesive used in the construction ofpackaging materials such as boxes, cartons and the like. Hot meltdispensing systems conventionally comprise a material tank, heatingelements, a pump and a dispenser. Solid polymer pellets are melted inthe tank using a heating element before being supplied to the dispenserby the pump. Because the melted pellets will re-solidify into solid formif permitted to cool, the melted pellets must be maintained attemperature from the tank to the dispenser. This typically requiresplacement of heating elements in the tank, the pump and the dispenser,as well as heating any tubing or hoses that connect those components.Furthermore, conventional hot melt dispensing systems typically utilizetanks having large volumes so that extended periods of dispensing canoccur after the pellets contained therein are melted. However, the largevolume of pellets within the tank requires a lengthy period of time tocompletely melt, which increases start-up times for the system. Forexample, a typical tank includes a plurality of heating elements liningthe walls of a rectangular, gravity-fed tank such that melted pelletsalong the walls prevents the heating elements from efficiently meltingpellets in the center of the container. The extended time required tomelt the pellets in these tanks increases the likelihood of “charring”or darkening of the adhesive due to prolonged heat exposure.

Hot melt dispensing systems typically utilize a solenoid valve mountedto the system to actuate the dispensers between an open position and aclosed position. Solenoid failures are one of the most common failureson hot melt dispensers. However, solenoid mountings require eithermultiple fasteners to hold the solenoid assembly in place, or requirethe user to perform multiple actions, such as pulling in one place andpushing in another, to attach and detach the solenoid assembly.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a fluid dispensing system includes amanifold, a dispensing module, a solenoid assembly, and a quick-releasemechanism. The manifold includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a fluidflow path extending through the manifold between the fluid inlet and thefluid outlet, and a plurality of air tube openings. The dispensingmodule is fluidly connected to the manifold, and the dispensing moduleis configured to receive a liquid adhesive through the fluid outlet andto dispense the liquid adhesive. The solenoid assembly is mounted to themanifold and configured to actuate the dispensing module between an openposition and a closed position. The solenoid assembly includes asolenoid valve, the solenoid valve including an air inlet and an exhaustport, and a plurality of air tubes connected to the solenoid valve. Theplurality of air tubes are configured to be received within theplurality of air tube openings of the manifold. The quick-releasemechanism extends into the manifold and engages at least one of theplurality of air tubes, such that the quick-release mechanism securesthe solenoid assembly to the manifold.

According to another embodiment, a liquid adhesive dispensing systemincludes a container for storing adhesive pellets, a melter capable ofheating the adhesive pellets into a liquid adhesive, a feed system fortransporting the adhesive pellets from the container to the melter, asupply system for transporting the liquid adhesive from the melter, anda dispensing system for receiving the liquid adhesive from the supplysystem and administering the liquid adhesive. The dispensing systemincludes a manifold, a dispensing module fluidly connected to themanifold, a solenoid assembly mounted to the manifold, and a quickrelease mechanism extending into the manifold. The manifold includes afluid path and an air path. The fluid path includes a fluid inlet forreceiving liquid adhesive from the supply system, a fluid outlet, and afluid flow path extending between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.The air path includes a plurality of air tube openings extending intothe manifold, a first module actuation opening, a second moduleactuation opening, a first air flow path extending between andconnecting a first one of the air tube openings and the first moduleactuation opening, and a second air flow path extending between andconnecting a second one of the air tube openings and the second moduleactuation opening. The dispensing module is configured to receive theliquid adhesive from the fluid outlet, to receive compressed air fromthe first module actuation opening, and to expel compressed air throughthe second module actuation opening. The solenoid assembly includes asolenoid valve and a plurality of air tubes. The solenoid valve includesan air inlet and an exhaust port. The plurality of air tubes areconnected to the solenoid valve and are received within the plurality ofair tube openings. The solenoid assembly is configured to actuate thedispensing module between an open position and a closed position bydirecting compressed air through the air tubes, through the first airflow path and the second air flow path, and to the dispensing modulethrough the first module actuation opening and the second moduleactuation opening. The quick-release mechanism extends through themanifold and engages at least one of the plurality of air tubes, suchthat the quick-release mechanism secures the solenoid assembly to themanifold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system for dispensing liquid adhesive.

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a dispensing system with a solenoidassembly attached.

FIG. 2B is an isometric view of the dispensing system of FIG. 2A withthe solenoid assembly detached.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing system of FIG. 2Ataken along line A-A of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is an isometric view of a dispensing system showing the flow ofliquid adhesive and compressed air through the dispensing system.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a dispensing system withmultiple dispensing modules.

FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of a dispensing system withmultiple dispensing modules.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of yet another embodiment of thedispensing system with the dispensing module mounted on a bottom of themanifold.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of system 10 for dispensing liquid adhesive,such as hot melt adhesive for example. System 10 includes cold section12, hot section 14, air source 16, air control valve 17, and controller18. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, cold section 12 includescontainer 20 and feed assembly 22. Feed assembly 22 includes vacuumassembly 24, feed hose 26, and inlet 28. Hot section 14 includes meltsystem 30, pump 32, dispensing system 34, and supply hose 36. Pump 32includes motor 38. Dispensing system 34 includes solenoid assembly 40,manifold 42, and dispensing module 44.

Air source 16 is a source of compressed air supplied to components ofsystem 10 in both cold section 12 and hot section 14. Air control valve17 is connected to air source 16 via air hose 46 a, and air controlvalve 17 selectively controls air flow from air source 16 through airhose 46 b to vacuum assembly 24 and through air hose 46 c to motor 38 ofpump 32. Air hose 46 d connects air source 16 to solenoid assembly 40 ofdispensing system 34, bypassing air control valve 17. Solenoid assembly40 controls the flow of compressed air to dispensing module 44 toactuate dispensing module 44 between an open position, therebydispensing liquid adhesive, and a closed position, thereby preventingliquid adhesive from being dispensed. Controller 18 is in communicationwith various components of system 10, such as air control valve 17, meltsystem 30, pump 32, and/or dispensing system 34 and various componentsthereof, for controlling the operation of system 10.

Components of cold section 12 can be operated at room temperature,without being heated. Container 20 can be a hopper for containing aquantity of solid adhesive pellets. Suitable adhesives can include, forexample, a thermoplastic polymer glue such as ethylene vinyl acetate(EVA) or metallocene. Feed assembly 22 connects container 20 to hotsection 14 for delivering the solid adhesive pellets from container 20to hot section 14. Feed assembly 22 includes vacuum assembly 24 and feedhose 26. Vacuum assembly 24 is positioned in container 20. Compressedair from air source 16 is delivered to vacuum assembly 24 to create avacuum, inducing a flow of solid adhesive pellets into inlet 28 ofvacuum assembly 24 and then through feed hose 26 to hot section 14. Feedhose 26 is a tube or other passage sized with a diameter substantiallylarger than that of the solid adhesive pellets to allow the solidadhesive pellets to flow freely through feed hose 26. Feed hose 26connects vacuum assembly 24 to hot section 14.

Solid adhesive pellets are delivered from feed hose 26 to melt system30. Melt system 30 can include a tank and resistive heating elements formelting the solid adhesive pellets to form a liquid hot melt adhesive.Melt system 30 can be sized to have a relatively small adhesive volume,for example about 0.5 liters, and configured to melt solid adhesivepellets in a relatively short period of time. Pump 32 is driven by motor38 to pump hot melt adhesive from melt system 30, through supply hose36, and to dispensing system 34. Motor 38 can be an air motor driven bypulses of compressed air from air source 16 and air control valve 17.Pump 32 can be a linear displacement pump driven by motor 38.

Hot melt adhesive from pump 32 is received in manifold 42 and dispensedvia dispensing module 44. Dispensing system 34 can selectively dischargehot melt adhesive through dispensing module 44, whereby the hot meltadhesive is sprayed out outlet 48 of dispensing module 44 onto anobject, such as a package, a case, or another object benefiting from hotmelt adhesive dispensed by system 10. Dispensing module 44 is actuatedbetween an open mode, whereby the hot melt adhesive is sprayed out ofoutlet 48, and a closed mode, whereby the hot melt adhesive is preventedfrom spraying out of outlet 48, by solenoid assembly 40. Solenoidassembly 40 provides compressed air to dispensing module 44 to actuatedispensing module 44 between the open and the closed positions.Dispensing module 44 can be one of multiple modules that are part ofdispensing system 34. Some or all of the components in hot section 14,including melt system 30, pump 32, supply hose 38, manifold 42, anddispensing module 44, can be heated to keep the hot melt adhesive in aliquid state during the dispensing process.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of dispensing system 34, including asingle dispensing module 44, with solenoid assembly 40 attached. FIG. 2Bis a perspective view of dispensing system 34 with solenoid assembly 40detached. FIGS. 2A and 2B will be discussed together. Dispensing system34 includes solenoid assembly 40, manifold 42, dispensing module 44,cordset 50, mounting clamp 52, quick release mechanism 54, and fluidinlet 56. Solenoid assembly 40 includes solenoid valve 58, air tubes 60a, 60 b, air inlet 62, exhaust ports 64 a, 64 b, and solenoid cable 66.Manifold 42 includes air tube openings 68 a, 68 b and quick releaseopening 70. Dispensing module 44 includes outlet 48, body 72, andfasteners 74. Mounting clamp 52 includes upper portion 76, lower portion78, and fasteners 80 a and 80 b (shown in FIG. 3).

Fluid inlet 56 is attached to manifold 42 and receives liquid adhesivefrom supply hose 36 (shown in FIG. 1). Dispensing module 44 is attachedto manifold 42 by fasteners 74 passing through dispensing module 44 andinto manifold 42. The liquid adhesive enters manifold through fluidinlet 56 and flows through manifold 42 to dispensing module 44, wherethe liquid adhesive is dispensed. Cordset 50 extends into manifold 42and provides power to heating elements (not shown) within manifold 42.The heating elements ensure that the liquid adhesive flowing throughmanifold 42 remains in a liquid state.

Mounting clamp 52 is secured to a top of manifold 42. Fastener 80 apasses through both upper portion 76 and lower portion 78 and intomanifold 42. Fastener 80 b passes through lower portion 78 and secureslower portion 78 to manifold 42. In this way, lower portion 78 mayremain secured to manifold 42 while upper portion 76 may be removed toallow mounting clamp 52 to be positioned around a suitable mountingdevice, such as a mounting bar, to allow a user to position dispensingsystem 34 in any desired position.

Quick release mechanism 54 extends into quick release opening 70 ofmanifold 42. In the illustrated embodiment, quick release opening 70 isthreaded such that quick release opening 70 receives a threaded quickrelease mechanism 54. It is understood, however, that quick releaseopening 70 and quick release mechanism 54 may be of any suitablecombination to allow quick release mechanism 54 to be retained withinbut easily removable from quick release opening 70. For example, quickrelease opening 70 may be a smooth bore, while quick release mechanism54 may be a detented dowel configured to engage a projection eitherwithin quick release opening 70 or on one of air tubes 60 a, 60 b.

Solenoid cable 66 is connected to and provides power to solenoid valve58. Air tubes 60 a, 60 b are connected to solenoid valve 58. Air tube 60a is in fluid communication with air inlet 62 and exhaust port 64 a.Similarly, air tube 60 b is in fluid communication with air inlet 62 andexhaust port 64 b. Solenoid valve 58 may be any suitable solenoid valvefor directing compressed air through air tubes 60 a, 60 b and todispensing module 44. For example, solenoid valve 58 may be a five-wayexhausting solenoid valve with an internal piston that directscompressed air from air inlet 62 through one of air tubes 60 a, 60 b,while simultaneously allowing previously utilized compressed air toexhaust through the other one of air tube 60 a, 60 b and to theatmosphere through either exhaust port 64 a or exhaust port 64 b.

In FIG. 2A solenoid assembly 40 is shown attached to manifold 42. Airtubes 60 a, 60 b extend into air tube openings 68 a, 68 b, respectively.Air tubes 60 a, 60 b are freely slidable within air tube openings 68 a,68 b unless secured by quick release mechanism 54. Quick releasemechanism 54 extends into quick release opening 70 of manifold 42 andengages air tube 60 a. As air tubes 60 a and 60 b are preferably rigidand as such quick release mechanism 54 engaging air tube 60 a securessolenoid assembly 40 to manifold 42. While quick release mechanism 54 isdescribed as engaging air tube 60 a, it is understood that quick releasemechanism may engage air tube 60 b or both air tubes 60 a and 60 b.

In FIG. 2B solenoid assembly 40 is shown as detached from manifold 42.In the illustrated embodiment, quick release mechanism 54 is shown as asingle set screw; it is understood however, that quick release mechanism54 may take any suitable shape for securing solenoid assembly 40 tomanifold 42 while still allowing a user to quickly and efficientlyrelease and remove solenoid assembly 40. For example, quick releasemechanism 54 may be a push piston, a detented dowel, a sheet metalcover, a hinged bracket, or any other suitable mechanism. In theillustrated embodiment, rotating quick release mechanism 54 within quickrelease opening 70 causes quick release mechanism 54 to disengage fromair tube 58 a, thereby freeing solenoid assembly 40. The user may theneasily remove solenoid assembly 40 by simply pulling solenoid assembly40 free from manifold 42. As shown, quick release mechanism 54 mayremain partially within quick release opening 70, yet solenoid assemblymay still be removed from manifold 42.

Quick release mechanism 54 allows a user to quickly remove and replacesolenoid assembly 40, which minimizes any down time caused on anassembly line due to solenoid failures. Quick release mechanism 54 maybe activated by a simple movement such as a turn, though it isunderstood that other embodiments of quick release mechanism may beactivated through other simple movements, such as a push or pull.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of dispensing system 34 taken alongline A-A in FIG. 2A. FIG. 3A is a perspective view of dispensing system34 showing flow lines of liquid adhesive and compressed air throughdispensing system 34. FIGS. 3 and 3A will be discussed together.Dispensing system 34 includes solenoid assembly 40, manifold 42,dispensing module 44, cordset 50, mounting clamp 52, quick releasemechanism 54, and fluid inlet 56. Solenoid assembly 40 includes solenoidvalve 58 (the internal components of which are not shown), air tubes 60a, 60 b, air inlet 62, exhaust ports 64 a, 64 b, and solenoid cable 66(shown in FIG. 3A). Manifold 42 includes air tube openings 68 a, 68 b,quick release opening 70, first module actuation opening 82, secondmodule actuation opening 84, adhesive inlet 86, adhesive outlet 88,adhesive flow path 90, air flow paths 92 a, 92 b, and filter 94.Dispensing module 44 includes outlet 48, body 72, fasteners 74, piston96, spring 98, ball 100, seat 102, open inlet 104, close inlet 106, andadhesive inlet 108. Mounting clamp 52 includes upper portion 76, lowerportion 78, and fasteners 80 a, 80 b.

Fluid inlet 56 is connected to manifold 42 and secured within adhesiveinlet 86. Adhesive flow path 90 extends between adhesive inlet 86 andadhesive outlet 88, and filter 74 is disposed within adhesive flow path90. Fasteners 74 extend through dispensing module 44 and attachdispensing module 44 to manifold 42. When dispensing module 44 isattached to manifold 42, adhesive inlet 108 is aligned with adhesiveoutlet 88 to allow dispensing module 44 to receive liquid adhesive frommanifold 42. Similarly, open inlet 104 is aligned with first moduleactuation opening 82 and close inlet 106 is aligned with second moduleactuation opening 84 such that dispensing module 44 may receivecompressed air through manifold 42 to allow dispensing module 44 to beactuated between an open position and a closed position.

Piston 96 is disposed within body 72 of dispensing module and piston isarranged between open inlet 104 and close inlet 106. Spring 98 isdisposed within body 72 on top of piston 96, and spring 98 biases piston96 downward such that dispensing module 44 is in a normally-closedposition when no compressed air is provided to dispensing module 44.Ball 100 is attached to an end of piston 96, and ball 100 rests in seat106 to prevent liquid adhesive from exiting dispensing module 44.

Cordset 50 extends into manifold 42 and provides power to heatingelements (not shown) within manifold 42. The heating elements ensurethat the liquid adhesive flowing through manifold 42 remains in a liquidstate. Mounting clamp 52 is secured to a top of manifold 42. Fastener 80a passes through both upper portion 76 and lower portion 78 and intomanifold 42. Fastener 80 b passes through lower portion 78 and secureslower portion 78 to manifold 42. In this way, lower portion 78 mayremain secured to manifold 42 while upper portion 76 may be removed toallow mounting clamp 52 to be positioned around a suitable mountingdevice, such as a mounting bar, to allow a user to position dispensingsystem 34.

Quick release mechanism 54 extends into quick release opening 70 ofmanifold 52. Quick release mechanism 54 is configured to engage at leastone of air tubes 60 a, 60 b thereby securing solenoid assembly 40 tomanifold 42. In the illustrated embodiment, quick release mechanism 54is a set screw configured to engage air tube 60 a. Engaging air tube 60a secures solenoid assembly 40 to manifold 42 as air tube 60 a ispreferably constructed of a rigid material, such as aluminum, and airtube 60 a is connected to solenoid valve 56. It is understood that quickrelease mechanism 54 may take any suitable form for engaging at leastone of air tubes 60 a, 60 b. For example, air tubes 60 a, 60 b mayinclude an exterior threading and quick release mechanism 54 may beconfigured with compatible threading such that quick release mechanism54 passes by and engages the external threading of both air tube 60 aand air tube 60 b. Quick release mechanism 54 allows a user to quicklydetach, with a simple twist, push, or pull, solenoid assembly 40 frommanifold 42 and replace solenoid assembly 40 in case of a failure ofsolenoid assembly 40.

Air tubes 60 a, 60 b are connected to solenoid valve 58 and extend intoair tube openings 68 a, 68 b of manifold 42, respectively. Air flow path92 a extends through manifold 42 between air tube 60 a and second moduleactuation opening 84. In this way, compressed air may be provided todispensing module 44 through air inlet 62, solenoid valve 58, air tube60 a, air flow path 92 a, second module actuation opening 84, and closeinlet 106. Compressed air may also be exhausted from dispensing module44 through close inlet 106, second module actuation opening 84, air flowpath 92 a, air tube 60 a, solenoid valve 58, and exhaust port 64 a.Similarly, air flow path 92 b extends through manifold 42 between airtube 60 b and first module actuation opening 82. In this way, compressedair may be provided to dispensing module 44 through air inlet 62,solenoid valve 58, air tube 60 b, air flow path 92 b, first moduleactuation opening 82, and open inlet 104. Compressed air may also beexhausted from dispensing module 44 through open inlet 104, first moduleactuation opening 82, air flow path 92 b, air tube 60 b, solenoid valve58, and exhaust port 64 b.

As shown in FIG. 3A, dispensing module 44 is typically in a closedposition, as previously discussed. To actuate dispensing module 44 froma closed position to an open position, a first portion of compressed airis provided through air hose 46 d and enters solenoid valve 58 throughair inlet 62. Solenoid valve 58 directs the first portion of compressedair through air tube 60 b and the first portion of compressed air entersmanifold 42. The first portion of compressed air flows through air flowpath 92 b and exits manifold 42 through first module actuation opening82. The first portion of compressed air then enters dispensing module 44through open inlet 104 (best seen in FIG. 3), and the first portion ofcompressed air forces piston 96 up, overcoming the force of spring 98.With piston 96 forced up, ball 100 (shown in FIG. 3) disengages fromseat 102 (shown in FIG. 3), thereby allowing liquid adhesive to exitdispensing module 44 through outlet 48.

The liquid adhesive is provided to dispensing system 34 through supplyhose 36 (shown in FIG. 1). The liquid adhesive enters fluid inlet 56from supply hose 36 and enters manifold 42 through adhesive inlet 86.The liquid adhesive flows along adhesive flow path 90 and exits manifold42 through adhesive outlet 88. While the liquid adhesive is flowingthrough manifold 42, cordset 50 provides power to heating elements (notshown) located within manifold 42, and the heating elements providesufficient heat to the liquid adhesive to prevent the liquid adhesivefrom solidifying within manifold 42. After the liquid adhesive exitsadhesive outlet 88, the liquid adhesive enters dispensing module 44through adhesive inlet 108. The liquid adhesive is then dispensed onto adesired surface through outlet 48.

After the liquid adhesive is applied to the desired surface, the flow ofliquid adhesive through dispensing module 44 may be shut off. Solenoidvalve 56 is actuated such that a second portion of compressed air isdirected to air tube 60 a instead of air tube 60 b. Shifting solenoidvalve 56 also opens a flow path through solenoid valve 56 between airtube 60 b and exhaust port 64 b. The second portion of compressed airexits solenoid valve 56 through air tube 60 a and flows through air flowpath 92 a to dispensing module 44. The second portion of compressed airenters dispensing module 44 through close inlet 106 (best seen in FIG.3), and the second portion of compressed air, aided by spring 98, forcespiston 96 down. As piston 96 is forced down, ball 100 reengages seat102, thereby shutting off the flow of liquid adhesive through outlet 48.

While piston 96 is shifting from the up position to the down position,the first portion of compressed air is forced out of dispensing module44. The first portion of compressed air exits dispensing module 44through open inlet 104 (best seen in FIG. 3) and enters air flow path 92b. The first portion of compressed air flows back through air flow path92 b and through air tube 60 b. The first portion of compressed air isthen exhausted to the atmosphere through exhaust port 64 b. It isunderstood that the second portion of compressed air is similarlyexhausted through exhaust port 64 a when piston 96 is actuated from theclosed to the open position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of dispensing system 34′ with multipledispensing modules 44. Dispensing system 34′ is similar to dispersingsystem 34, and similar reference numbers are used to identify similarcomponents. Dispensing system 34′ includes solenoid assembly 40,manifold 42′, dispensing modules 44, cordset 50, mounting clamp 52,quick release mechanism 54, and fluid inlet 56. Solenoid assembly 40includes solenoid valve 56, air tubes 60 a, 60 b, air inlet 62, exhaustports 64 a, 64 b, and solenoid cable 66 (best seen in FIG. 2A). In thepresent embodiment, air tubes 60 a, 60 b are rigid tubes connected tosolenoid valve 56 and received by manifold 42′. Manifold 42′ includesair tube openings 68 a, 68 b and quick release opening 70. Dispensingmodules 44 each include outlet 48, body 72, and fasteners 74.

Fluid inlet 56 is mounted to manifold 42′, and fluid inlet 56 connectsto supply hose 36 (shown in FIG. 1) to allow liquid adhesive to entermanifold 42′. Cordset 50 is attached to manifold 42′ and provides powerto heating elements (not shown) contained within manifold 42′. Mountingclamp 52 includes upper portion 76, lower portion 78, and fasteners 80.Upper portion 76 and lower portion 78 are secured together by fasteners80, and fasteners 80 also secure mounting clamp 52 to manifold 42′.Quick release mechanism 54 extends into manifold 42′ and is configuredto engage at least one of air tubes 60 a, 60 b.

Mounting clamp 52 is configured to secure dispensing system 34′ at adesired position for dispensing liquid adhesive. Upper portion 76 andlower portion 78 are fitted around a suitable positioning mechanism,such as a mounting bar, and upper portion 76 and lower portion 78 aresecured together by fasteners 80 to lock dispensing system 34′ in adesired position. Air tubes 60 a, 60 b provide a flow path forcompressed air to flow from solenoid valve 56 to dispensing modules 44to actuate dispensing modules 44 between an open position and a closedposition.

Quick release mechanism 54 extends into manifold 42′ through quickrelease opening 70, and quick release mechanism 54 engages at least oneof air tubes 60 a, 60 b and thereby secures solenoid assembly 40 tomanifold 42′. Quick release mechanism 54 engages an end of air tubes 60a and/or 60 b extending into manifold 42′. Quick release mechanism 54 isconfigured to engage or disengage the air tubes 60 a, 60 b with a simplemovement, such as a twist, push, or pull. In this way, quick releasemechanism 54 allows a user to quickly detach and replace solenoidassembly 40 in case of a failure of solenoid assembly 40. Quicklydetaching and replacing solenoid assembly 40 minimizes any downtimeexperienced on the assembly line due to solenoid failure.

FIG. 5 is an exploded, perspective view of dispensing system 34′.Dispensing system 34′ includes solenoid assembly 40, manifold 42′,dispensing modules 44, cordset 50 (shown in FIG. 4), mounting clamp 52′,quick release mechanism 54, and fluid inlet 56. Solenoid assembly 40includes solenoid valve 58, air tubes 60 a, 60 b, air inlet 62, exhaustports 64 a, 64 b, and solenoid cable 66. Solenoid assembly 40 furtherincludes o-rings 110 disposed between air tubes 60 a, 60 b and solenoidvalve 58, and o-rings 112 disposed between air tubes 60 a, 60 b andmanifold 42′. Manifold 42′ is similar to manifold 42 (shown in FIG. 2A)with manifold 42′ configured to provide compressed air and liquidadhesive to multiple dispensing modules 44. Manifold 42′ includes filter94, air tube openings 68 a, 68 b, first module actuation opening 82,second module actuation opening 84, quick release opening 70, andadhesive outlets 88. Dispensing modules 44 each include outlet 48, body72, fasteners 74, and o-rings 114. Mounting clamp 52 includes upperportion 76, lower portion 78, and fasteners 80.

Solenoid cable 66 is connected to solenoid valve 58 and provides powerto solenoid valve 58. O-rings 110 are disposed between air tubes 60 a,60 b and solenoid valve 58 to ensure an air-tight connection of airtubes 60 a, 60 b to solenoid valve 58. O-rings 112 are disposed aroundair tubes 60 a, 60 b and positioned within air tube openings 68 a, 68 bof manifold 42′ when solenoid assembly 40 is installed. O-rings 112ensure an airtight connection of air tubes 60 a, 60 b to manifold 42′.Air tubes 60 a, 60 b are connected to both solenoid valve 58 andmanifold 42′ and provide flow paths for compressed air to enter and exitmanifold 42′. Compressed air is provided through solenoid valve 58 fromair source 16 (shown in FIG. 1) and to dispensing modules 44 to actuatedispensing modules 44 between open and closed positions.

Dispensing modules 44 are secured to manifold 42′ by fasteners 74extending through dispensing modules 44 and into manifold 42′. O-rings114 are disposed between dispensing modules 44 and manifold 42′. Morespecifically, o-rings 114 are disposed about first module actuationopenings 82, second module actuation openings 84, and adhesive outlets88 to provide a sealed connection at the interface of dispensing modules44 and manifold 42′. While dispensing system 34′ is illustrated asincluding two dispensing modules 44, it is understood that dispensingsystem 34′ may include as many or as few dispensing modules 44 asdesired. It is also understood that manifold 42′ may be configured toaccept as many or as few dispensing modules 44 as desired. For example,where four dispensing modules 44 were desired, manifold would includefour first module actuation openings 82, four second module actuationopenings 84, and four adhesive outlets 88.

Mounting clamp 52′ is secured to manifold 42′. Fasteners 80 extendthrough upper portion 76 and lower portion 78 and into manifold 42′ tosecure upper portion 76 and lower portion 78 together. Upper portion 76and lower portion 78 may be arranged about any suitable positioningdevice, such as a mounting bar, to secure dispensing system 34′ in adesired position.

Fluid inlet 56 is attached to manifold 42′ and provides a fluid path forliquid adhesive to enter manifold 42′ from supply hose 38 (best seen inFIG. 1). Liquid adhesive flows through supply hose 38 and to fluid inlet56 and the liquid adhesive enters manifold 42′ through fluid inlet 56.After entering manifold 42′, the liquid adhesive is filtered by filter74 and flows to dispensing modules 44 along adhesive flow path 90 (shownin FIG. 3). The liquid adhesive exits manifold 42′ through adhesiveoutlets 88.

Quick release mechanism 54 extends through quick release opening 70 andis configured to engage at least one of air tubes 60 a, 60 b. Quickrelease mechanism 54 secures solenoid assembly 40 to manifold 42′. Todisconnect solenoid assembly 40, quick release mechanism 54 may beloosened to allow air tubes 60 a, 60 b to be pulled out of air tubeopenings 68 a, 68 b. In this way, quick release mechanism 54 allows auser to quickly and efficiently remove solenoid assembly 40, whichminimizes the downtime of system 10 due to any fault in solenoidassembly 40.

Quick release mechanism 54 secures solenoid assembly 40 to manifold 42′.Solenoid assembly 42′ controls a flow of compressed air to dispensingmodules 44 to actuate dispensing modules 44 between an open position,whereby liquid adhesive is dispensed through dispensing modules 44, anda closed position, whereby liquid adhesive is prevented from flowingthrough dispensing modules 44. To actuate dispensing module 44,compressed air is provided to solenoid valve 58 through air inlet 62. Inone embodiment, solenoid valve 58 directs the compressed air through airtube 60 b to actuate dispensing modules 44 from a closed position to anopen position.

The compressed air is directed through air tube 60 b and enters manifold42′ through air tube opening 68 b. The compressed air then flows alongair flow path 92 b (shown in FIG. 3A) and exits manifold 42′ throughfirst module actuation opening 82. The compressed air enters dispensingmodules 44 and actuates an internal piston 96 (shown in FIG. 3) therebyallowing liquid adhesive to exit dispensing modules 44 through outlets48. The liquid adhesive enters manifold 42′ through fluid inlet 56,flows along an internal adhesive flow path 90 and exits manifold 42′through adhesive outlet 88. After exiting adhesive outlet 88, the liquidadhesive flows through dispensing modules 44 and is dispensed throughoutlet 48.

Once a desired amount of liquid adhesive is applied, solenoid valve 58shifts and compressed air is directed to dispensing manifolds 44 toactuate internal piston 96 back to the closed position. The compressedair entering solenoid valve 56 through air inlet 62 is directed throughair tube 60 a. At the same time, air tube 60 b is now fluidly connectedto exhaust port 64 b allowing used compressed air to be exhausted fromdispensing modules 44 through manifold 42′, air tube 60 b, and exhaustport 64 b. The compressed air directed to air tube 60 a enters manifold42′ through air tube opening 68 a. The compressed air flows throughmanifold 42′ along air flow path 92 a (shown in FIG. 3) and exitsmanifold 42′ through second module actuation opening 84. The compressedair enters dispensing modules 44 and actuates internal piston 96 to aclosed position, thereby ceasing the flow of liquid adhesive throughoutlet 48.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of dispensingsystem 34″. Dispensing system 34″ is similar to dispensing system 34 andto dispensing system 34′, and similar reference numbers are used toidentify similar components. Dispensing system 34″ includes solenoidassembly 40, manifold 42″, dispensing modules 44, cordset 50, quickrelease mechanism 54, fluid inlet 56″, and mount 116. Solenoid assembly40 includes solenoid valve 58, air tubes 60 a, 60 b, air inlet 62,exhaust ports 64 a, 64 b, and solenoid cable 66. Manifold 42″ includesquick release opening 70. Dispensing module 44 includes outlet 48 andfasteners 74. Mount 116 includes mounting block 118 and mounting rod120.

Fluid inlet 56″ is attached to a top portion of manifold 42″ and isconfigured to receive liquid adhesive from supply hose 36 (shown in FIG.1). Dispensing modules 44 are attached to a bottom of manifold 42″.Liquid adhesive enters fluid inlet 56″ and passes through an adhesiveflow path disposed within manifold 42″ and to dispensing modules 44.Cordset 50 extends into manifold 42″ and cordset 50 provides power toheating elements (not shown) disposed within manifold 42″. The heatingelements ensure that the liquid adhesive remains in a liquid state asthe liquid adhesive passes through manifold 42″.

Mount 116 is secured to an end of manifold 42″. Mounting block 118 isfastened to manifold 42″ and may include a threaded opening (not shown).Mounting rod 120 may include a threaded end configured to engage thethreaded opening of mounting block 118. It is understood that mountingblock 118 may include a smooth opening with mounting rod 120 insertedinto the opening, and mounting rod 120 may be configured to receive afastener extending through mounting block 118 to secure mounting rod 120relative to mounting block 118.

Solenoid cable 66 is connected to and provides power to solenoid valve58. Air tubes 60 a, 60 b are connected to solenoid valve 58 and extendinto manifold 42″. Compressed air enters solenoid valve 58 and passesthrough either air tube 60 a or air tube 60 b to actuate dispensingmodules 44. Used compressed air passes from dispensing modules 44 backthrough one of air tube 60 a or air tube 60 b and is exhausted to theatmosphere through exhaust port 64 a or exhaust port 64 b, respectively.

Quick release mechanism 54 extends into quick release opening 70 ofmanifold 42″ and quick release mechanism 54 secures solenoid assembly 40to manifold 42″. Quick release mechanism 54 is configured to engage atleast one of air tubes 60 a, 60 b. Alternatively, quick releasemechanism 54 may extend between both air tube 60 a and air tube 60 b andthereby engage both air tubes 60 a, 60 b. By engaging at least one ofair tubes 60 a, 60 b quick release mechanism 54 secures solenoidassembly 40 to manifold 42″. In the illustrated embodiment, quickrelease mechanism 54 is a set screw configured to engage air tube 60 b.To release solenoid assembly 40, quick release mechanism 54 may beactivated by a simple turn such that quick release mechanism 54 nolonger engages air tube 60 b. In this way, solenoid assembly 40 may beeasily and efficiently removed by simply turning quick release mechanism54, which minimizes any downtime of system 10 (shown in FIG. 1) due to afaulty and/or failed solenoid.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

1. A fluid dispensing system comprising: a manifold including a fluidoutlet, a first tube opening extending into a first side of themanifold, and a second tube opening extending into the first side of themanifold; and a mount opening extending into a second side of themanifold and intersecting with the first tube opening; a dispensingmodule fluidly connected to the manifold and configured to receive aliquid adhesive from a fluid outlet of the manifold and to dispense theliquid adhesive; a solenoid assembly mounted to the manifold by a firstair tube and a second air tube, wherein the solenoid assembly isconfigured to selectively direct air to the dispensing module to actuatethe dispensing module between an open position and a closed position;wherein the first air tube extends into the first tube opening and thesecond air tube extends into the second tube opening; wherein a quickrelease mechanism is mounted in the mount opening, engages the first airtube, and does not engage the second air tube, such that the quickrelease mechanism is configured to directly secure the first air tube tothe manifold and to indirectly secure the solenoid assembly and secondair tube to the manifold by the first air tube.
 2. The fluid dispensingsystem of claim 1, wherein the plurality of air tubes comprise rigid airtubes.
 3. The fluid dispensing system of claim 1, wherein an axis of themount opening intersects an axis of the first tube opening.
 4. The fluiddispensing system of claim 3, wherein the axis of the mount opening isorthogonal to the axis of the first tube opening.
 5. The fluiddispensing system of claim 1, wherein the dispensing module is mountedto the second side of the manifold.
 6. The fluid dispensing system ofclaim 1, wherein the quick release opening does not intersect the secondtube opening.
 7. The fluid dispensing system of claim 1, wherein thequick-release mechanism comprises a set screw.
 8. The fluid dispensingsystem of claim 7, wherein the set screw is attached to the manifoldwithin the mount opening with the set screw in each of a securedposition, where the set screw is engaged with the first air tube, and anunsecured opposition, where the set screw is disengaged from the firstair tube.
 9. The fluid dispensing system of claim 8, wherein thedispensing module is mounted to one of the second side of the manifoldand a third side of the manifold.
 10. The fluid dispensing system ofclaim 1, further comprising: a piston disposed within the dispensingmodule, the piston configured to be actuated between an open position,where liquid adhesive is dispensed from the dispensing module, and aclosed position, where liquid adhesive is prevented from exiting thedispensing module; and a spring disposed within the dispensing module,the spring biasing the piston to a closed position, such that thedispensing module is normally closed; wherein a first portion ofcompressed air is directed to the dispensing module by the solenoidassembly through the first air tube and a first flow path in themanifold; and wherein the first portion of compressed air is configuredto actuate the piston from the closed position to the open position. 11.The fluid dispensing system of claim 10, wherein: a second portion ofcompressed air is directed to the dispensing module though the secondair tube and a second flow path in the manifold; and the second portionof compressed air is configured to actuate the piston from the openposition to the closed position.
 12. A liquid adhesive dispensing systemcomprising: a container for storing adhesive pellets; a melter capableof heating the adhesive pellets received from the container into aliquid adhesive; and a dispensing system configured to receive theliquid adhesive from the melter and to apply the liquid adhesive, thedispensing system comprising: a manifold including a fluid outlet, afirst tube opening extending into a first side of the manifold, and asecond tube opening extending into the first side of the manifold; and amount opening extending into a second side of the manifold andintersecting with the first tube opening; a dispensing module fluidlyconnected to the manifold and configured to receive a liquid adhesivefrom a fluid outlet of the manifold and to dispense the liquid adhesive;a solenoid assembly mounted to the manifold by a first air tube and asecond air tube, wherein the solenoid assembly is configured toselectively direct air to the dispensing module to actuate thedispensing module between an open position and a closed position;wherein the first air tube extends into the first tube opening and thesecond air tube extends into the second tube opening; wherein a quickrelease mechanism is mounted in the mount opening, engages the first airtube, and does not engage the second air tube, such that the quickrelease mechanism is configured to directly secure the first air tube tothe manifold and to indirectly secure the solenoid assembly and secondair tube to the manifold by the first air tube.
 13. The liquid adhesivedispensing system of claim 12, wherein an axis of the mount openingintersects an axis of the first tube opening.
 14. The liquid adhesivedispensing system of claim 13, wherein the axis of the mount opening isorthogonal to the axis of the first tube opening.
 15. The liquidadhesive dispensing system of claim 12, wherein the dispensing module ismounted to the second side of the manifold.
 16. The liquid adhesivedispensing system of claim 12, wherein a power cord extends into themanifold to provide power to heating elements disposed in the manifold.17. The liquid adhesive dispensing system of claim 16, wherein thequick-release mechanism comprises a set screw.
 18. The liquid adhesivedispensing system of claim 17, wherein the set screw is attached to themanifold within the mount opening with the set screw in each of asecured position, where the set screw is engaged with the first airtube, and an unsecured opposition, where the set screw is disengagedfrom the first air tube.
 19. The liquid adhesive dispensing system ofclaim 18, wherein the dispensing module is mounted to one of the secondside of the manifold and a third side of the manifold.
 20. A methodcomprising: dismounting a solenoid assembly from a manifold of a liquidadhesive dispenser by: rotating a quick-release mechanism in a firstdirection within a mount opening extending into the manifold, therebydisengaging the quick-release mechanism from a first air tube of thesolenoid assembly; and pulling the solenoid assembly off of themanifold, thereby removing the first air tube from a first tube openingextending into the manifold, and further removing a second air tube froma second tube opening extending into the manifold; mounting the solenoidassembly to the manifold by: positioning the solenoid assembly to alignthe first air tube with the first air opening and to align the secondair tube with the second air opening; shifting the solenoid assembly toinsert the first air tube in the first air opening and insert the secondair tube in the second air opening; and rotating the quick-releasemechanism in a second direction within the mount opening, therebyengaging the quick-release mechanism with the first air tube; directingair through the first air tube and the second air tube to actuate adispensing module between an open state, where liquid adhesive flows outof the dispensing module, and a closed state, where the liquid adhesiveis prevented from flowing out of the dispensing module; wherein thequick-release mechanism directly secures the first air tube to themanifold and indirectly secures the second air tube and the solenoidassembly to the manifold by the first air tube.